Build Quality: 88
• The mostly metal chassis endured slightly more abuse than I usually dish out
• The substantial innards also serve to dampen disc/tape operating noise

Value: 93
• A bargain even within the bargain category
• Tremendous functionality and lots of pleasant little surprises

Features: 87
• Generous array of video tweaks and front and rear inputs; many available outputs
• DivX certified for video on demand downloads from the PC

Performance: 89
• Despite a definite softness on all material, picture quality at 480p was respectable
• VHS picture quality was as good as could be expected

Ergonomics: 83
• The slim black box is designed to complement Samsung's latest HDTVs
• The front panel's Progressive and HDMI buttons seem to be an afterthought; rear panel is confusing

Overall Rating: 89
In the relentless march of technology, the prices of mainstream DVD players continue to plummet, while quality and features continue to advance, resulting in the DVD-V9650, an easily affordable deck that could actually impress.